REFERENCED DOCUMENT Flood Emergency Management Plan - MCU13/0064

Flood Warning Operations

The development and provision of flood warning services in Queensland is the role of the Bureau's Flood
Warning Centre in Brisbane.

The Flood Warning Centre operates up to 24 hours per day depending on the severity and extent of flooding.

The basic components of the flood forecasting system are shown in the diagram below.




Data Collection & Transmission

Rainfall and river height data is collected from over 1000 sites throughout Queensland via radio and telephone
telemetry from automatic stations and via telephone-computer links from volunteer observers.

Meteorological & Hydrological Forecasting

The collated data is analysed using a range of techniques including simple empirical relationships and complex
computer catchment simulation models to predict the likely timing and severity of flooding. The impact of
forecast weather and rainfall conditions is also assessed.

Flood Warning Services

      River Height Bulletins.
      These contain the latest observed river heights at selected locations within a river basin and are issued
      regularly.

      Flood Warnings
      Flood Warnings contain a summary of existing conditions within a river basin and predictions of river
      heights at key locations (towns, bridges, rural centres).

      Professional Advice
      FWC staff provide direct assessments of flood conditions to emergency agencies and Local
      Government officers.

      Media Briefings
      Extensive briefing of radio television and newspapers news services are provided as requested.

Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins

The Bureau of Meteorology issues Flood Warnings and River Height Bulletins for most Queensland river basins
regularly during floods.

They are sent to radio stations for broadcast, and to the local Councils, emergency services and a large
number of other agencies involved in managing flood response activities. They are available via:

Radio
Radio stations, particularly the local ABC and local commercial stations, broadcast Flood Warnings and River
Height Bulletins soon after issue.

Local response organisations
These include the Councils, Police, and State Emergency Services in the local area.

Internet/World Wide Web
Flood Warnings, River Height Bulletins and other weather related data is available on the Bureau's Web page
at http://www.bom.gov.au . The Queensland Flood Warning Centre website is http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood
.

Telephone Weather
Flood Warnings are available through a recorded voice retrieval system, along with a wide range of other
weather related and climate information.
Main Directory                       Phone     1900 955 360
Flood Warnings                       Phone     1300 659 219